Homemade Face Masks – Base Recipes and Add-ins

Every now and then, on evenings when I don’t have much to do and my kids are in bed, I give myself a little spa night.

It usually involves Netflix, a good bath, and some dark chocolate. Spa nights are a great way to relax; I’m not as busy as a lot of people are, but I do run around after two young kids every day, and the little stresses of normal life build up. Usually, after wiping noses and making lunches and answering questions all day, I’m not thinking too much about blackheads or how dark the circles under my eyes are. I’m thinking about my pillow and how nice it’s going to feel to sleep on it all night.

Spa nights are my nights to take care of myself.

I’ll add some Epsom salts and essential oils to my bath, find a good movie, and then make it a true spa night by treating myself to an all-natural face mask. I know that I could buy masks if I chose to, but let’s be honest – fancy face masks are pretty low on my priority list. I prefer to use ingredients that I have in my cupboard and refrigerator. It’s so simple to make a homemade face mask out of ingredients that I keep on hand that I can’t imagine ever spending money on a store-bought mask. Plus, I always know exactly what goes into my recipe, and personally, I kind of like to know what’s in a mask before I smear it all over my face and leave it there for twenty minutes.

There are two main components to a good face mask, and you’d probably be surprised to know that you have everything you need in your kitchen already.

Homemade Face Mask Bases

One thing a proper face mask has to do is stick to your face. It doesn’t have to be like glue, but it does have to stay where you put it. The base you use will determine the benefits your mask will have for your skin.

Avocado

Avocado makes a great base. It is a good texture for staying on your face, and also has moisturizing properties for your skin. If your skin is dry or suffering from overexposure, reach for that overripe avocado that you really meant to turn into guacamole, and instead turn it into a mask.

Oatmeal

Another good base is oatmeal. If you grew up in the days when every kid in the class got chicken pox at the same time, then you’ve probably had an oatmeal bath, so you know that oatmeal helps soothe irritated skin. Beyond that, it works as a cleanser to clear your skin of built-up oil and impurities, and it exfoliates when you scrub it off. I cook oatmeal when using it for a base, but it can also be used as an additive in its uncooked state.

Plain Yogurt

One of my favorite bases to use for homemade face masks is plain yogurt. The cool, smooth texture feels wonderful on the skin, and I find it to be the easiest to keep on my face. Beyond that, yogurt has extraordinary benefits for your skin. It is moisturizing, somewhat antibacterial, and contains lactic acid. Are you already making your own yogurt? Even better! (Read more about yogurt’s benefits at Organic Authority.)

Egg Whites

Finally, for a different kind of base, egg-whites can be used for face masks. I will admit that this is my least favorite type of mask; I love to eat eggs, but I like them well-cooked, and I find the sliminess of raw egg whites off-putting. Still, I’ve used them in masks before, and I’ll use them again, because egg whites are known to tighten skin and reduce pore size.

Add-Ins

Cocoa Powder

I’ve already mentioned that I love chocolate, so any mask that involves cocoa powder is okay by me. Best known for it’s high antioxidants, cocoa powder gives skin a real boost. Also, it smells delicious.

Honey

You had to know that honey was going to appear on this list somewhere. With its sticky texture and adhesive properties, honey is a natural choice for a face mask. Honey has antibacterial properties, which are perfect for fighting acne, and also acts as a cleanser. Finally, honey helps moisturize dry skin. To learn more about the benefits of honey, read here.

Lemon Juice

A final potential ingredient for a natural face mask is lemon juice. Lemon juice, like many of the ingredients above, has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also brightens skin and, with regular application, can have a bleaching effect on dark spots. (This is especially worth noting if, like me, you have freckles that pop out in the summertime.)

Recipes

There are dozens of ways to combine the above ingredients into your perfect face mask, but here are a few of my favorite recipes. For each recipe, I just mix the ingredients together, keep the mask on for twenty minutes or so, then wash off with cool water.

For a boost

2 tablespoons of plain yogurt

1 tablespoon of honey

1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

For a moisturizing mask

½ an avocado

1 tablespoon of honey

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

For tightening and reducing pore size

1 egg white

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

For soothing irritated skin

½ cup of cooked oatmeal

1 tablespoon of honey

I hope you’re able to use these ingredients and make them into your own masks. Maybe even enjoy a spa night while you do. I know that there are many more recipes and ingredients out there for DIY face masks.

What are some of your favorite homemade face mask recipes?

I’m always looking for new ones! So feel free to share in the comments below.

About Emry Trantham

Emry is a writer, teacher, photographer and mother. She is interested in all things DIY and is willing to try any project at least once. She loves spending time with her kids and loves gardening, projects and chickens. You can find her on G+.

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Comments

Thank you for the tips. I also grow my own organic veggies. I dry out the leaves and flowers from brocolli, cauliflower, pumpkin, squashes and banana peals. I use a coffee bean grinder, (tried everything else to make a powder, this works best), I mix this with organic honey and sometimes some baking soda or pure clay. Add some apple cider vinegar and what a difference in my skin. I’m 50 and have horrible deep blackheads, mineral deposits, and large pores. This really helps to bring out years of old packed particles. My skin is finally healing.
I have tried everything from spa facials, estatisions, all market products and have never had the results I now get.

Hi! I’ve dealt with acne since puberty. It was so bad I had to do 3 rounds of Accutane (At 16 I was only concerned about getting rid of the acne, not what the long term effects of these chemicals would do to my body/health.) It cleared my acne, but when I had kids, the acne came back, though not as bad. I am still fighting this battle daily after 20 years. Like you, I’ve tried almost EVERYTHING! I’m wondering what is the ratio for the mask you mentioned above. I’m going to try the cocoa mask, but thought I’d give a couple different ones a try to see which works best. Thanks!!

Thanks on your marvelous posting! I genuimely enjoyed reading it, you might bee a great author.I will always bookmark your
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Hi! Thank you so much for the awesome recipes. Lately I have been putting on a face mask that includes honey, olive oil and a little milk. It feels great on the skin and it makes my skin really smooth and hydrated, too. I really like your avocado mask recipe and will try it soon! 🙂

Nice share!! thank you! I was surprised not to see Organic Bananas on there!! they are amazing for a face mask also!!! you can mix them with anything mentioned or just by itself!! it tightens up your skin and is moisturizing and refreshing!!!!! I will have to give a few of the ones i haven’t tried, a try!!! Looking forward to it!!!

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